Open Treasures is described as more of an experience than an exhibition and is set to bring a surge of even more visitors to the Durham landmark when it officially opens on July 23.

Pupils from Colliery Primary School in Dipton, County Durham, dressed as vikings and Anglo-Saxons to take part in interactive sessions which form part of Open Treasures’ education programme.

They were told about invasion and settlement in Britain, the role of the monks and the development of Christianity then spent the afternoon outside learning about science and nature while exploring the cathedral’s woodlands and riverbanks.

Its head of education, Charlotte Rowbotham, called the education programme a “hugely important” part of Open Treasures and it aims to bring history alive for children through the likes of cooking using ingredients from the medieval medicinal herb garden and creating Anglo-Saxon artwork.

Pupils from Colliery Primary School enjoy an interactive history lesson at Open Treasures in Durham Cathedral

It’s all part of the cathedral’s ambitious creation of a world-class exhibition experience, taking visitors on a “journey” through history via some of the building’s ancient spaces.

The journey will begin and end in the atmospheric cloisters and take in the restored monks’ dormitory, a gallery built in a former medieval yard and the Great Kitchen, which will be home to the treasures of St Cuthbert as well as gems, such as paintings and manuscripts, from the cathedral’s collections.